Some people seek out luxury every time they travel. Others opt for a high-end experience because they’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. No matter what your reasons are for wanting to enjoy an upscale experience in Thailand, you’ll be choosing from the same list of amazing hotels, resorts, and spas.
Luxury travel is becoming more popular in Southeast Asia, but Thailand still stands out above its neighbors when it comes to upscale experiences. The Land of Smiles is known for its outstanding level of service, and the country’s menu of four- and five-star hotels and resorts is filled with options — whether you’re staying in the city of Bangkok, the mountains in the north, or the idyllic beaches in the south.
Yes, Thailand has a high number of luxury vacation choices, but if you’re seeking the ultimate pampered experience, these nine places truly stand out as worthy of a spot at the top of your list of options.
1. DHARA DHEVI CHIANG MAI
This resort showcases the beautiful nature of Northern Thailand right on its grounds, as the Dhara Dhevi stretches for more than 60 acres that include gardens, rice paddies, and hardwood forests. Half nature park and half fairy-tale-like garden, this resort is all about luxury: it has a massive spa, several tasty restaurants, a driving range, and an onsite shopping village. Better yet, each private villa-style suite has its own plunge pool.
2. ANANTARA SIAM BANGKOK
Traditional Thai architecture and design characterize this Bangkok hotel, which was formerly known as the Four Seasons. Even a standard room here is as amenity-rich and large as a suite at most other hotels. Gardens, an outdoor pool, and celebrated fine dining restaurants are also on Anantara’s menu. The hotel’s spa is certainly a highlight, featuring a full menu of treatments, steam rooms, and even indoor waterfalls and streams.
3. THE ROYAL PHUKET YACHT CLUB
There are no bad views at the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. Not only do all 110 rooms and suites have ocean views, but each also has a private terrace overlooking the Andaman coastline. All the extras are here: a full service spa, outdoor pool, tennis courts, and gourmet restaurants. The best thing is that all the exciting experiences of Phuket, from diving to sailing, are right at guests’ fingertips.
4. EVASON HUA HIN
Hua Hin, the favorite beach destination for domestic tourists, has a relaxed feel and an atmosphere that’s a bit different from Thailand’s foreigner-centered beach destinations. The Evason is one of Hua Hin’s best resorts. The entire place is one giant garden! There are 185 rooms in total on the 20-acre resort; several dozen of these accommodations are private villas with plunge pools, outdoor showers, and spacious verandas. If you’re looking for something a little bit different — but still very luxurious — the Evason is a perfect choice.
5. BELMOND NAPASAI
Located on Koh Samui’s quiet northern coastline, Belmond Napasai sits on a gentle coastal hillside. The views from this resort’s private villas and spacious cottages are second to none. The indulgent Napasai spa is well-known around the island, as are the onsite restaurants. This resort has something that even some of the best hotels on Koh Samui don’t have: a private beach that is reserved for guests — no one else allowed.
6. THE SIAM
The Siam is a hotel with a retro-chic appeal. Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Siam has art deco design and great views of theImage: Flickr.. There are taller, more palatial hotels in Bangkok, but the Siam has one thing that is extremely rare in Thailand’s City of Angels: villas with private pools. The Siam also has a spa, a cooking school, and even a muay Thai boxing ring.
7. 137 PILLARS HOUSE
Chiang Mai is the place in-the-know tourists go to avoid the hot weather and crowds in Bangkok without giving up on the urban experience. The 137 Pillars House proves that cool boutique hotels are not only found in Bangkok: built in the late 1800s, this unique 30-suite property has been lovingly restored to its stylish and airy original design. 137 Pillars has a buzz-worthy restaurant, a spa, and an outdoor pool that fits in perfectly with its ambiance.
8. SIX SENSES YAO NOI
Travelers who want to experience Thailand’s nature without giving up comfort often opt for the Six Senses Yao Noi. Located on Yao Island, which is situated in Phang Nga Bay, the Six Senses has private villas that are raised above tropical landscapes. Sections of the property’s grounds are totally natural, while other parts feature manicured garden-like landscapes with natural vegetation. The resort has 54 private villas, each with its own pool, and a “villa team” that’s on hand to cater exclusively to each accommodation’s guests.
9. A PRIVATE VILLA EXPERIENCE
If the traditional resort or hotel route doesn’t appeal to your luxury-seeking needs, be aware that many of Thailand’s main tourist destinations also offer rental villas. Many of these accommodations are quite luxurious, and they offer a level of privacy that even the best resorts cannot hope to match.
Luxury vacation villa owners understand that the people who rent their residences don’t want to forego the pampering they would get at a hotel. As a result, the best villa developments put all the same spa and resort services and experiences at renters’ fingertips. With these considerations in mind, there’s no sacrifice needed when choosing this option.
Whether you opt for a resort or a private villa, choosing Thailand as your destination means that you’re sure to enjoy your next luxury vacation. The question is never, “Will I be able to find a luxury resort or private villa?” Instead, you’ll be asking yourself: “How will I ever be able to choose from all these possibilities?”
Image: christophe_cerisier